Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies. Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT has been adapted to help you, your teenager, or your child manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and develop effective coping skills.
Key Benefits of DBT
Comprehensive Approach
Addresses emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal challenges.
Skill-Based
Teaches practical skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Balances Change and Acceptance
Helps you accept yourself while working towards positive change.
Adaptable
Effective for a range of issues including mood disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance use problems.
How Individual DBT Works
Our DBT approach focuses on one-on-one therapy sessions tailored to your specific needs:
Skill Acquisition
Learn DBT skills adapted to your individual challenges and goals.
Skill Strengthening
Practice and reinforce DBT skills in real-life situations.
Skill Application
Apply DBT skills to specific events and challenges in your daily life.
Structured Problem-Solving
Work with your therapist to address obstacles and reinforce progress.
Is DBT Right for You, Your Teenager, or Your Child?
DBT might be a good fit if you, your teenager, or your child:
- Struggle with intense or unstable emotions
- Experience chronic suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors
- Have difficulty maintaining stable relationships
- Want to develop more effective coping strategies for life's challenges
- Have tried other therapies with limited success
Tailored Approaches for Different Age Groups
- Adults: Focus on managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and building a life worth living.
- Teenagers: Address emotional volatility, identity formation, and family conflicts using age-appropriate DBT techniques.
- Children: Use play-based and family-oriented DBT approaches to help children manage emotions and behaviors effectively.
Our therapists are skilled in adapting DBT techniques to suit the unique needs of each individual, ensuring effective and engaging treatment for all.
Take the First Step Towards Emotional Balance and Fulfilling Relationships
Don't let intense emotions or ineffective behaviors hold you, your teenager, or your child back. Our experienced DBT therapists are here to guide individuals of all ages through the DBT process, helping you build a life worth living.
Children
When big emotions, behaviour, or learning aren't clicking, we help families understand what's going on and build a plan that works
Teens
The teenage years can bring as many challenges as opportunities. We give young people a safe space to figure things out and build practical skills.
Adults
Whether it's anxiety that won't shift, a relationship that's not working, or a diagnosis you've been putting off, we're here to help.
Why Choose Bear in Mind Psychology?
Experienced across the lifespan
We support children, teenagers and adults with assessment and therapy tailored to their stage of life and goals.
Clear answers and practical recommendations
Whether you come for therapy or assessment, we focus on giving you useful next steps for home, school, work, and everyday life.
Neuroaffirming and family-aware care
We take time to understand the whole person, including their strengths, differences, relationships, and environment.
Convenient Sunshine Coast Location
Easily accessible support in the heart of our community